Your Community: Dates to Watch and Upcoming Events

Dates to WatchSaturday, Dec. 4Breakfast with Santa from 8:30-11:30 a.m., Old West Masonic Center, 19310 Ave. of the Oaks, Friendly Valley. Breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits, juice, milk and coffee, each child’s ticket includes a photo with Santa and a special gift. Members of the Old West Masonic Center will conduct child ID program at no cost to participants, all children must be accompanied by adult ticket holder. Info: (661) 252-2706 or orchidanni@att.net.

Sunday, Dec. 5Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital will light the Community Tree at the 25th annual Community Tree Lighting celebration from 2-5 p.m. on the hospital campus, 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Crafts, refreshments, music and entertainment provided by hospital staff, local school’s children choirs, dance studios and performers. Santa and Mrs. Claus will usher in the holiday season and light the holiday tree at dusk.

Upcoming EventsHoliday help for SCV nonprofitsIn anticipation of the holidays, the Santa Clarita City Council has begun a special program to assist local nonprofits during these financially challenging times. A new website: www.santa-clarita.com/helpfortheholidays offers nonprofits an opportunity to list their holiday wish lists. Residents, businesses, everyone can then reach out to local nonprofits and assist them with their needs. Richardson Award applicationsSoroptomist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley’s Violet Richardson Award honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 for volunteer action such as fighting drugs, crime, violence, cleaning up the environment, and working to end discrimination or povery, club-level winners first receive $500, then are eligible for awards up to $1,000. Download application from club website. Info: www.SIGSCV.org or kdschnurr@gmail.com.

Hoefflin Foundation seeks holiday helpThe Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer is looking for donors to help with holiday gift baskets for families it serves and to cover the cost of the baskets, and/or the cost of the grocery gift cards that will be included. If you can help (661) 250-4100 or e-mail Anita at anitas@mhf.org.

Pet Assistance seeks volunteersPet Assistance, a nonprofit organization, is looking for new members and volunteers, as well as donations. Info: (661) 260-3140.

Sports Club meetingCalifornia’s Complete Sports Club, also known as Century City Ski Club, meets 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month at Marie Callendar’s across from Magic Mountain on The Old Road in Valencia. Membership is open to anyone 21 or older. Info: www.ccscsports.org, Don Gately, (661) 255-8873.

The Lost Patrol support groupVietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355, chapter meeting/brunch held monthly, usually at 10 a.m., third Sunday of every month, at Marie Callenders, 27630 N. The Old Road, Valencia. Info: (818) 508-9626.

Books and Better Education group The Betty Ferguson Foundation book club, called BABE, share ideas and learn something new during monthly book club meetings, second Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia. Free. For info and book selections visit www.BettyFerguson.org or call (661) 702-8712.

Angel Food at Methodist ChurchAngel Food program stretches your grocery budget with food items at discounted cost, one option is Bread of Life Signature box with enough food to feed a family of four for about a week for $31, options range between $21-$41. Order online with credit card or pick up an order form at Valencia Methodist United, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: (661) 255-1301.

Stitches from the Heart Group needs volunteers to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, little sweaters, and hats for babies in need; items are donated to hospital all over the country. Patterns available and donated yarn appreciated for our seniors. Info: (877) 985-9212 or StitchFromHeart@aol.com.

Trifecta Crown sports festivalRegistion for triathlon, running, and cycling events open online Dec. 1 for four-day sports festival based in Town Center on June 2-5, 2011. Info: www.trifectaworld.com or events@tricalifornia.com.SCV Koi & Water Garden ClubThe Santa Clarita Valley Koi & Water Garden Club, meets 4 p.m., fourth Sunday of the month, at the home and pond of members. Club is comprised of people with ponds or building a pond sharing ideas and experiences. Info: (661) 259-6437 or (661) 296-9252.

Parenting group for singles or couplesLearn how to help children develop self discipline, problem solving skills, responsibility and self esteem, as well as why children misbehave and specific strategies to help solve those problems, $35 per group session, sliding fee available, 5 p.m., Mondays, 25050 Peachland Ave., Suite 255, Newhall. Info: (661) 644-7803.

Learn to curl at Ice Station ValenciaIce Station Valencia and the Hollywood Curling Club will host Learn-to-Curl Clinics for beginners ages 8 to adult, 7:45-10 p.m., Sundays, $15 per person, parties of four or more $10 per person, bring rubber-soled shoes, warm sweater, jacket and gloves, 27745 N. Smyth Drive, Valencia. Info: www.Icestation.net.

Visit The Shoe Project in NewhallVisit the Newhall Art Walk, on Main Street in downdown Newhall, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 to see The Shoe Project. Twelve artists were selected to create artistic shoes to display in various businesses in downtown Newhall. At the Art Walk event children, adults and families are invited to create a special shoe using art supplies and shoes supplied by The ARTree. Residents are also asked to bring slightly worn shoes to put in donation boxes along Main Street. The shoes will find new homes in needy families by the Assistance League of Santa Clarita Valley. For more information visit www.theartree.org.

Saugus High Dance clinicDance clinic for boys and girls in grades K through 12, no dance experience necessary, each child will receive a t-shirt and learn dance techniques and a routine to perform for family and friends at the end of the day, includes pizza, drinks, games, hairstyling and makeup, $30, taught by the national award-winning Saugus High Dance Team, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, Saugus High School gym, 21900 Centurion Way, Saugus. Info: (661) 645-2234.

Manga Club at Barnes & NobleBarnes & Noble Booksellers, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia will host a manga group at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7 in the event room on the right side of the bookstore. Come and discuss your favorite manga series. The club meets the first Tuesday of each month.

‘Pit Stops’ signing and readingAuthor and journalist Michelle Sathe will sign and read her new book “Pit Stops: Crossing the Country with Loren the Rescue Bully,” special appearance by Loren the dog, who is available for photo opportunities, 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, Kriser’s for Your Pet, 24272 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia. Info: www.pitstopsbook.com or (661) 259-2361.